Examining learning in the course, “Inclusive Leadership for Sustainable Peace”

ABSTRACT

The undergraduate, introductory course, ‘Inclusive Leadership for Sustainable Peace’ aimed to cultivate sustainable peace leaders by inviting students to clarify their own core values and by examining: macro UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals and the Earth Charter; values and approaches of global sustainable peace leaders in their historic and community contexts; and local leadership in organizations committed to healthy ecosystems, society equity, and viable economies. Offered in the spring of 2017 and 2018 at a predominately white, Euro-American, and large master’s comprehensive university in the United States, the core pedagogy of the course involved a critical pedagogy of place, critical peace education for sustainability, a systems approach to leadership, and contemplative inquiry, aimed at promoting deep learning. The primary research question for this study is ‘What do students learn about themselves, others, and their ability to change the world from engaging in this course?’ This exploratory qualitative study involved 10 students. Findings indicate that participants gained personal value clarification, career clarification, and a deeper understanding of their power to make a difference. The article will contribute to the advancement of sustainable peace leadership education.

KEYWORDS:

• Leadership education
• peace leadership
• sustainability leadership
• sustainable peace

Acknowledgements

Carole Nash; Elizabeth Armstrong; Melissa Lubin; Rebecca Sprague; Refugee Resettlement Office; Tom Benevento; Vine and Fig; Lee Sturgis O’Neill; Radical Roots Farm; ProjectGrows; Jenna Clarke; and Laura Smith.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Edward J. Brantmeier

Edward J. Brantmeier, Ph. D. is an Associate Professor in the Learning, Technology, and Leadership Education Department  and Assistant Director (Scholarship Programs) of the Center for Faculty Innovation at James Madison University, U.S.A.

Destin Webb

Destin Webb was an Independent Scholar at James Madison University and currently works on energy, climate change, and policy as a Washington D.C. based consultant.